Gay Activist

German Parliament to consider compensating Paragraph 175 survivors

Germany’s cabinet has backed a bill to clear men handed sentences for homosexuality after World War Two under paragraph 175 of the penal code, which was eventually relaxed in 1969. 50,000 men were convicted under paragraph 175.

Many were sent to jail and some took their own lives because of the stigma.
Justice Minister Heiko Maas said it was a flagrant injustice and those still alive would be given compensation.

The German cabinet decided today to back the bill annulling the sentences and proposing paying compensation to survivors affected. If passed, every man convicted who is still alive will receive a €3,000 lump sum plus a further €1,500 for each year spent in jail.

Only 5,000 men are thought to be eligible for compensation as most have since died.